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Dog Grooming 101: Dog Basics & How To

Dog grooming is essential to maintaining the basic hygiene of your dog. Incorporating dog training and healthy dog grooming practices supports you and your pet to find ease in making the grooming process as smooth as possible. Dog grooming, does not have to be expensive or require a lot of time; with a bit of care and patience, the dog grooming process can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

Basic Dog Grooming Tools

Ears:

Fur/Coat:

Bristle brushes work for a variety of hair types. Wire pin brushes are best for dogs with medium to long fur. Rakes and matbreakers should only be used on severe tangles; alternatively, consider shaving extensive mats out of your dog’s fur.

Use a shampoo and conditioner intended for dogs, because shampoo intended for humans can reduce the natural oils on your dog’s skin and lead to dry skin and increased itching. Conditioners are not a necessity, but they can be used to keep your dog’s fur tangle-free. Some conditioners are intended to be left in, while others can simply be rinsed off.

Nails:

Do not use nail clippers you use for yourself on your dog. The use of improper nail clippers can cause ingrown nails, bleeding, or long-term damage. Scissor like nail trimmers are best for dogs with small, delicate nails. In the case that mild bleeding does occur, use styptic powder (like Kwik-Stop) to stop any bleeding.

Alongside coat brushing, your dog will appreciate a quality nail trim, once a week to once a month. Ask a professional or a veterinarian, key techniques that can reduce owner and dog fear when a nail clipper is in the room.

Bathing your dog is necessary, but not often – do not bathe your dog more than once a week. Bathe your dog after you have already brushed their fur because a wet coat adheres to the skin, making it more difficult to release any loose fur in your dog’s coat.

To smooth the process, bathe your dog in warm water so they feel more comfortable – you can understand how much more comfortable a warm shower is compared to a cold one! Finally, shampoo your dog twice during the bath and comb their fur once it is dry to finish the look. Your dog should leave the bath feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.

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